159/04
24 November 2004
A Step Closer to a Merged Regulator
Ms Lyn Maddock, Acting Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA), will become a part-time Associate Member of the Australian Communications Authority (ACA), the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan announced today.
Ms Maddock replaces Mr Michael Gordon-Smith, whose membership of the ABA expired on 14 September 2004.
The appointment will improve information sharing between the ACA and ABA in the lead up to the merger of the two bodies to form the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), expected to take place on or before 1 July 2005.
"For the first time, the Chairpersons of the ACA and ABA are both Associate Members of the other authority," Senator Coonan said.
"This will be particularly useful in the lead up to the formation of the ACMA. It will ensure the skills and experience of the head of the ABA are reflected in ACA decisions and that there is a high level of coordination in the decision-making of these two bodies as they work towards the merger."
Ms Maddock's appointment as an Associate Member of the ACA expires on 30 June 2005 or earlier, depending on her continuing membership of the ABA and the date on which the ACMA is established.
Ms Maddock was appointed as Deputy Chair of the ABA in December 2000 and assumed the position of Acting Chair on the resignation of Professor David Flint in June 2004.
"I congratulate Lyn Maddock on her appointment and wish her well in her dual role with the ACA and ABA," Senator Coonan said.
Media Contact: Jane McMillan 0438 690 305